New York's Favorite Restaurateur To Open Pizzeria In The Bowery

Keith McNally, proprietor of the impossibly chic Minetta Tavern and late night staple Schiller's, is adding a pizzeria to his portfolio. Ever a master of good timing, McNally chose to launch Pulino's just as Minetta segues from so-right-now to neighborhood classic (and, hence, we grow bored). Not that we could ever grow bored of McNally's culinary gems. And with a location at Bowery and Houston, Pulino's Bar & Pizzeria is guaranteed to be a hit with denizens and late-night prowlers of the Lower East Side. The eatery became fodder for foodie bloggers way back in August 2009, when Bowery Boogie began to document its construction, but, six months later, opening night is still at least a month away. This better be some damn good pizza!

According to New York magazine, McNally has had his eye on the Bowery corner for five years, quietly piecing together the pizzeria of his dreams even as others such as Motorino and Veloce have opened with rave reviews. McNally, whose bistros and brasseries basically redefined high end dining by giving patrons great food in casual, boisterous, convivial spaces, remains undeterred.

I know it looks like I'm jumping on the bandwagon. But in the end, it doesn't matter. What matters is whether it's good.

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And we, forever fans of Balthazar's seafood tower and raucous brunch parties at Pastis (stalwart anchor of the Meatpacking District), are just as confident. While the finishing touches are put on this latest masterpiece - think checkered tile floors, open kitchen, and a butchering room - we'll keep you posted on the Pulino's progress.